How to spend time in Lisbon: our staff recommendations

Web Summit is a busy event for all our attendees, but no matter how much or how little free time you have, there’s something for you to do in Lisbon. Here are some of our staff recommendations.

Web Summit is not just a great opportunity to make connections and discover some great content. It is also an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Lisbon.

While attendees will be busy networking, showcasing, learning and listening, there is something for everyone to do in Lisbon, whether you have a half an hour, an hour, a few hours or a few days.

The Web Summit team has put our heads together to come up with some recommendations for how to spend your free time, no matter how much or how little you have.

Half an hour – River Run East

This waterside run along the Tagus river is one of the popular routes in Lisbon, and is located mere minutes from the Altice Arena, where Web Summit takes place.

Image of the Vasco da Gama bridge from the River Run East: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

Starting at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, it goes through the marina and takes in many of the sights along the river, including the Oceanarium, Parque das Nações, and the Vasco da Gama bridge – Europe’s longest bridge.

To the bridge and back is 7.5 km around the marina route, and it is a great way to spend some free time during the event, especially if the weather is good.

One hour – Ribeira das Naus

Situated in downtown Lisbon, between the Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré, home of Pink Street and the Time Out market, this vibrant new area is an urban riverside beach.

Image of Ribeira das Naus: Video Media Studio Europe/Shutterstock

A former boatyard, Ribeira das Naus is the perfect place to take a stroll, have a drink, or grab some food in one of its many fashionable restaurants, all while taking a view of the river.

Ribeira das Naus is only a 20 minute taxi ride – or half an hour on the metro – from Web Summit. Take a seat on one of the large steps extending down into the river while you sit and watch the boats sail by.

Two hours – Marvila

Another riverfront location, Marvila is one of Lisbon’s most exciting up-and-coming neighbourhoods. After decades of neglect, the area has been experiencing a remarkable cultural regeneration in the last number of years.

Image of the Abel Pereira da Fonseca building in Marvila: Federico Fioravanti/Shutterstock

Take a walk around Marvila, now known for its galleries – including the Marvila Art District, Underdogs Gallery, insofar art gallery and Galeria Francisco Fino. There is plenty of street art, and also a number of craft breweries.

On Tuesday, November 1, Night Summit will be taking place at Hub Criativo do Beato in Marvila, so it’s the perfect opportunity to do some exploring.

Half a day – Belém

Belém is perhaps one of Lisbon’s most famous neighbourhoods, home of the Pastel de Belém, the original Pastel de Nata custard tart.

Image of the Torre de Belém in Belém: K I Photography/Shutterstock

Belém is the location of some of the most notable museums and monuments in Lisbon, from the Belém Tower, the Maat museum, and Belém Palace. You can also find the Jerónimos Monastery, burial place of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, considered the Portuguese language’s finest poet.

Belém is where Portugal’s famous explorers set off on their journeys all around the world, and it is the perfect destination to do some exploring of your own.

Full day – Miradouros de Lisboa

Lisbon is a city built on seven hills, and these hills are known for their spectacular views across the city.

Image of the Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara: MaxFrost/Shutterstock

Lisbon is a city built on seven hills, and these hills are known for their spectacular views across the city.

If you’re feeling strong – and be prepared for a lot of literal ups and downs – why not go on a tour of Lisbon’s many viewpoints? The Portuguese call these the Miradouros de Lisboa, and from many of them, you will be able to spot your next point. Check out a full list of viewpoints here.

Make sure to make plenty of stops on the way to try out the amazing local food and remember to stay hydrated. Eat and drink along the tour. This tour is not for the faint-hearted, so the Lisbon tram will be your ally here, so consider buying a day ticket.

For more suggestions and information on what to do in Lisbon, check out our comprehensive Discover Lisbon guide here.

​​Main Image: ​​Eóin Noonan/​​Web Summit(​​CC BY 2.0)